Stanford – Wildlife on Site

Due to the location of the Campsite, in what was Pease Pottage Forest, there is many varied wildlife on the site. Please remember that you share the site with them and respect the habitat they live in. Below are some creatures that may grace you with their presence.

Do NOT attempt to handle a live badger, deer or fox. They can all inflict severe injuries.

Ticks & Lyme Disease

In long grass and bracken there is a risk of encountering ticks. The ticks are most active and likely to bite exposed skin in the early summer. Ticks are found where there is a combination of dead vegetation or leaf litter and passing host animals e.g. wild deer. A tick is the size of the head of a pin, but becomes up to 5mm long after feeding.

Signs and symptoms of Lyme Disease: The usual advice given is to suspect Lyme Disease if a round or oval, expanding, red rash develops within 3-32 days after a tick bite and is accompanied by a flu-like illness. If you suspect you may have the symptoms after having been exposed to ticks, seek medical advice promptly

Wasps, Bees, Hornets

Please note that the site is a ancient woodland and in the areas of the site with dense woodland nests may be present. If you are planing to play games in this area ensure that all persons are aware of the hazard.

Deer

If you find a baby deer (fawns) on site do not touch or move it. The adult deer will leave them hidden in undergrowth for anything up to eight hours at a time. If the fawns have human scent on them the adult may well abandon them. The best advice if to keep people away from the area to allow the mother to return and  collect the fawn.

Foxes

Fox cubs may also be left for a while by the vixen. Give the vixen a chance to return to pick it up by keeping people away from the area.

Badgers

Around the site in the more remote areas you will find Badger Sets, please watch your step and try to keep clear of the entrances.

Rabbits

The rabbits on site will grace you with their presence in the morning, and often will be found feeding in and around the tents.

Bats

Bat Boxes are placed around the site and occupied. Please do not disturb them or climb the trees they are on for a closer look.

Birds

At various times of the year you will find nests on the site, please do not disturb.

Fungi

In the wet summer months mushrooms can become quite abundant on the site. It is worth noting that none of the mushrooms on site are edible and many are poisonous. The risk from children handling the mushrooms is minimal yet it is advised not to play with them and to practice good hygiene and ensuring all person wash there hands after touching them.

Young people first: Safeguarding and Safety in Scouting

Wherever we go and whatever we do, we put young people’s safety and wellbeing first. Here's how.